The five girl students and a boy from Surathkal college, whose picture went viral on WhatsApp leading to a suspected ‘vigilante attack’, have been suspended by the disciplinary committee of the college.
The committee has found them “guilty” of bringing a cellphone to the college, which is not allowed. Though the image appears to have been taken for fun, it has caused a great harm to the college, the committee said.
“But this, in no way, changes the atmosphere in the college that has been vibrant with cultural and sports activities,” said the college principal.
Girls file complaint
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) K. Santosh Babu told The Hindu that the girls, in a complaint to the police, have accused Vinith, who took the picture, of circulating the image on social media without their consent. The girls’ complaint has been registered as violation of Section 66 (A) of the Information Technology Act, which has stringent punishment.
Mr. Babu said there was also a complaint against Vinith and Ritesh for abetting the attack. The police are searching for Vinith, Ritesh and the persons involved in the attack. Riaz, who is recovering in the hospital, told The Hindu on Monday that one of the attackers was his schoolmate.
